Communities around the province will see their brownfields gaining attention through $1.64 million for 24 projects through the B.C. Brownfields Renewal Funding Program.

Each of today's 24 projects have been selected for their redevelopment potential. Brownfields are abandoned, vacant, derelict, or underutilized commercial and industrial properties, where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination.

Sites like old gas stations, industrial storage facilities or former industrial sites are often located in prime areas for redevelopment and can help revitalize the surrounding community once the issue of contamination is addressed.

The B.C. Brownfield Renewal Funding Program encourages brownfield redevelopment across British Columbia by providing the initial funding to help property owners, businesses and local governments better understand the extent of contamination so that they can remediate it.

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"The Brownfield Renewal Strategy embodies the vision of my ministry - environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. Each of today's 24 recipients are getting the initial support they need to turn an underutilized site into a productive and prosperous space."

Quick Facts:

• Including today's funding, the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program has provided more than $5.84 million to support brownfield redevelopment since 2007.
• This program has funded 78 projects in 50 communities throughout B.C.
• Redeveloped brownfields increase local tax revenue from previously underutilized properties, reduce greenhouse gases from urban sprawl and generate sustainable land stewardship.
• The B.C. Brownfield Renewal Strategy is an award-winning program. In addition to two previously awarded Brownies, this year the program received the Environmental Manager's Association's Award for best Organizational Environmental Program in B.C.

Learn More:

B.C. Brownfield Renewal Strategy: www.brownfieldrenewal.gov.bc.ca

List of recipients:

http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/BG_Brownfields_July2012.pdf

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261